H.H. Sheikh Mohammed attends Al Salam Cycling Championship

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, attended the fourth stage of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, which took place on Sunday at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.

The event marked the grand finale of the ninth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship. Organised by the Private Office of Sheikh Mohammed the championship has earned acclaim as the world's largest community cycling event in terms of diversity and prize value.

The Supreme Organising Committee of the event, led by Omar bin Jumaa Al-Falasi, Director-General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, conducted the Women’s Race, featuring two categories, on the same day.

Both races started from the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve with the two fields separated by a set time gap. The first race, held over a 107-km course, was designated for Emirati female cyclists, while the next event, the elite category race, witnessed action over a 136-km course.

The second race featured participation from female cyclists who are residents in the UAE as well as competitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Cycling Federation.

The Women’s Race featured intense performances and fierce rivalry throughout with the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, the largest natural reserve in the UAE, which plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, providing natural habitats for one of the largest herds of Arabian oryx and diverse bird populations.

Spanning approximately 40 hectares of fertile land rich in shrubbery, it is home to more than 204 species of local birds and 158 species of migratory birds, interspersed by over 10 km of lakes and other scenic landscapes.

Winners of the Women’s Race included Sheikha Madiya Bint Hasher Al Maktoum from the MyWhoosh team, who secured top spot in Emirati Women’s Race category.

Sheikha Madiya led a MyWhoosh team sweep of the podium, with her teammates Ayesha Foolad and Mouza Al Ghafil finishing in second and third place respectively.

In the team rankings, MyWhoosh claimed first place, Dubai Police Cycling team secured second, and Airwick Racing finished third.

Continuing her superb form, Sheikha Madiya achieved a double, claiming the top spot in the 40+ age category as well.

In the elite race, Nora Jencusova from the Dubai Police Cycling, Positive Spirit team took first place, followed by Cristina Tonetti from the Dubai Police, Essad team in second place, and Olha Shkel from the Dubai Police Cycling team in third place.

In the team rankings, Dubai Police, Positive Spirit secured first place, Dubai Police, Esaad came in second, and Dubai Police took third place.

Hellen Bachofen von Echt from the Boon Racing team claimed first position in the 40+ age category.

The Supreme Organising Committee also invited entries showcasing visual highlights of the Women’s Race for a special photography competition held in collaboration with The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards. Submissions for the Women’s Race will remain open until February 26.

Marking a milestone in the championship’s history, the ninth edition introduced its first-ever photography competition, who not only captured the intensity of the races but also celebrated the landscapes of Dubai.

Recognising outstanding talent, three prizes were announced for each race: AED12,000 for first place, AED8,000 for second, and AED5,000 for third.